Worcester Cathedral to get urgent repairs fund boost

WORCESTER Cathedral is to receive its share of a £5 million package to fund urgent repairs to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid announced today that Worcester, Hereford and Coventry cathedrals are among those from across England receiving almost £5million for urgent repairs in the first round of grants from the First World War Centenary Cathedral repair fund.

22 cathedrals across England will now be able to fix leaking roofs, repair stained glass, and replace stonework after being awarded grants from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund.

Worcester Cathedral has been awarded a grant of £80,000 to repair and weatherproof the ceiling of the cathedral library.

The fund was announced in Budget 2014 and set up in April this year in recognition of the powerful symbol our cathedrals are of Britain’s shared history as well as the significant role they will play when the nation comes together to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We are ensuring these magnificent buildings are preserved for future generations so they continue to serve their communities and congregations.

“This fund is just one part of the Government’s preparations to ensure the UK is ready to remember and mark the heroic sacrifice so many made a century ago.”

The £20 million Cathedral Repairs Fund was announced by the Chancellor in the Budget 2014. Grants will allow cathedrals to undertake urgent repair work, including keeping the building wind-proof, weather-tight, safe and open to the public, and preventing further deterioration of the building.

This was the first round of funding allocations and will be followed by two more. The next round will close in September 2014 with the final round closing in January 2015.